Vicky reaches for the stars

A CHELTENHAM beauty queen says being deaf won't stop her from fulfilling her dreams.

Victoria Ilina, from Charlton Kings, has got through to the semi-finals of Miss England after winning the public vote at the Miss Cheltenham beauty contest.

The 23-year-old was born with normal hearing but became deaf after suffering from meningitis as a baby.

But she says the condition won't dent her ambition to become a super-model, and hopes a rise to the top may be an inspiration to deaf people everywhere.

Victoria, who was named runner-up in Miss Deaf UK last year, said: "It's my dream to become a professional model. I've always been comfortable in front of the camera, and it just feels natural.

"It's hugely exciting to be going to the semi-final of Miss England and I'm grateful to those who voted for me."

The striking brunette, who posed for Vogue in 2004, went to Beaufort School for the Deaf and later attended Exeter College, where she gained a degree in sign language, amongst other subjects.

Victoria added: "When you're deaf, living in a world where most people can hear is not always easy. But it doesn't have to stop you from getting to where you want to go.

"I want to use my looks to raise awareness of deaf issues and help promote a greater understanding of our needs. And I won't let my condition hold me back. If anything it makes me more determined to succeed."

Victoria's mum Svetlana Karboua, who is originally from Russia, said: "I'm so proud of what she has achieved. It means so much to her to win the public vote, and we hope it will take her a step closer to the modelling career she has always dreamed of."

Jenny Hopkins, operations manager at Gloucestershire Deaf Association, said: "We are delighted at Victoria's success. It will have taken a lot of confidence to participate in a public competition like this and to have done so well is wonderful.

"I hope this will be hugely inspiring to other deaf young people."

The Miss Cheltenham contest, which took place last week, was won by 22-year-old project manager Alison Chenery, with Victoria coming out on top in the public vote.

The pair will both now compete with 59 others at the Miss England semi-final on Monday. If they get through, they will compete in the grand final, and stand to win £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Jamie Brightmore, organiser of Miss Cheltenham, said: "Having two finalists qualify for entry in the Miss England semi-finals is a fantastic result and we hope the local community will show their support by voting for the contestants in the public vote.

"Victoria is an inspiration to the deaf community and has shown that determination and self-confidence can turn dreams into reality."

To vote for Victoria text Victoria Ilina to 84205 before noon on Monday. More details on www.missengland.info